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What is Nursing Science?

Nursing Science is a degree program within nursing emphasizing the science and principles of nursing.  A degree in Nursing Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is built on rigorous coursework to prepare students to become a knowledgeable, well-rounded nurse practitioners who are able to readily step into a variety of nursing, medical, science, research, and leadership roles.

Research indicates a typical profile of a nursing science student.  Students who possess strong management skills, attention to detail, problem solving skills, and are exceptional communicators do well within the complex field of healthcare.  Nursing science students must deftly balance leadership skills with technical skills and healthcare know-how in a professional manner.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$75,030

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

50.60%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

56,210

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Nursing Science Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized as one of the Ivy League members. Columbia offers a wide range of comprehensive academic programs designed to award undergraduate and graduate degrees, including professional degrees.  The university’s nursing school is one of the oldest nursing schools in the United States. The university offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing science and several graduate programs for further education. Students learn inside the classroom and are trained in different clinical settings. Graduates gain a more global nursing perspective because of the programs and academic collaborations of the university locally and internationally. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Yale University (Danbury, CT) is one of the oldest universities in the United States and it is considered one of the best being a member of the prestigious Ivy League. The university has a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum and several highly-recognized graduate programs. Nursing science degree is one of the popular programs in the university. The School of Nursing  aims to educate future nurse leaders, scholars and practitioners while transforming the landscape of healthcare practice. Students who aim to enhance their skills and broaden their nursing knowledge and pursue several graduate programs at the university too.  The university provides one of the best ranked nursing programs in the country and in the world. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Duke University (Durham, NC) is a private university that offers a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university houses one of the top nursing schools across the United States. Duke University offers an accelerated bachelor’s as well as several graduate programs. The accelerated BSN program is for students who already finished the undergraduate program. This second degree is a full-time, campus-based program that will run for 16 months. Students will have coursework and required clinical hours. Duke University’s School of Nursing values the quality of education, importance of research and innovation, and top-notch healthcare training. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a private university with a very high research activity. Undergraduate students can choose from a wide variety of majors across four schools and colleges. The university also houses six graduate schools including School of Nursing which is recognized as a top nursing school in the United States. Nurse Science at VU is a two-year doctoral program. Graduates are expected to be leaders in research and academics in both public and private sectors of the healthcare industry. Coursework are delivered through on-campus classes as well as online education. Students who are interested in graduate studies can choose among a variety of specializations and study focus. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of California – Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) is a public university and is one of the oldest campuses under the University of California system. The university houses a wide variety of recognized undergraduate and graduate programs. UCLA has a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing science. The program is designed to prepare students with skills and knowledge before taking roles as a professional nurse. Graduates who aim to be a registered nurse are allowed to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX). UCLA nurses are also eligible for the Public Health Nursing Certificate exam in California. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Virginia-Charlottesville (Charlottesville, VA) is a public research university, highly regarded as one of the best in the country. It is also one of the original “Public Ivy Universities”.  UVA is affiliated with the University of Virginia Health System which is recognized as one of the top medical centers in the country. The university manages a School of Nursing that consistently ranks at the top 4% best nursing schools in the United States. Curriculum is composed of humanistic approaches that foster critical thinking and awareness of social and cultural diversity. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science students must finish required coursework and a research study before being granted with a degree. Students who already have an associate’s degree or a diploma in nursing are admitted to this program. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Emory University (Atlanta, GA) is a private university that provides a long list of academic programs for students of both undergraduate and graduate studies. The university manages the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing that offers comprehensive academic programs focusing on different nursing disciplines and specializations. Emory’s bachelor’s program in nursing science provides different tracks for students who are interested in being admitted. High school student admissions and transfer programs are available. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX examination to become a Registered Nurse in the United States. BSN freshmen students can choose where to take their first two years for the program between Emory or Oxford College. By junior year, students will take their clinical courses at Emory's Atlanta campus.

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Asheville, NC) is a public university highly regarded for its academic quality, diversity, and international presence. Carolina also ranks among the top research universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can get a Bachelor in Science in Nursing Science degree in Carolina. Interested students can choose between two tracks, the traditional BSN program or an accelerated program for students that already finished an undergraduate program. Students will be provided with both coursework and clinical training. Carolina nurses are recognized across different medical and non-medical industries. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) is a private Jesuit university providing high ranking undergraduate programs. The college also fosters an active research culture. BC manages the William F. Connell School of Nursing, recognized as one of the top nursing schools in the United States. The school is affiliated with more than 80 health care facilities that can help them train and practice their skills. Boston College grants a BS in Nursing Science degree that prepares students to be a general nursing practitioner across a variety of clinical settings. The program fosters a liberal arts curriculum allowing students to be immersed in diverse nursing disciplines. Students can also take graduate-level electives in their last two years in the program. This exposes the students to further studies on nursing. 

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized across the country and around the globe. Programs are organized across 16 colleges, institutions, and schools. The university is also known for its top notch healthcare professional programs. NYU has a wide range of baccalaureate nursing science degree programs for interested students. The university offers a 15-month accelerated nursing program up to the traditional four-year curriculum. NYU’s graduate and advanced programs are great options to further education and enhance skills. Students can also take a BS/MS program in nursing. This will lead to a bachelor’s degree in nursing advancing to a master’s degree. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) is a private university offering a wide range of academic programs across undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral and professional programs. The university also has active research programs. It is home to several relevant discoveries and innovations. University of Rochester manages a School of Nursing. It offers a nursing science degree program along with a wide range of areas of study for its graduate programs. UR Nursing provides hands-on experiences using innovative simulation technology. Students learn from industry leaders and educators. The School of Nursing has dual-degree programs for high school students, accelerated bachelor’s degrees, or an online program for the RN to BSN track. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of California - Irvine (Irvine, CA) is a recognized public university that houses top-rated academic programs and professional schools. Some of the new and popular programs in the university are public health, pharmaceutical sciences, nursing science. UCI is also known for its active research initiative through its roster of scholars and scientists. The BS in Nursing Science offers education that allows its students to be frontrunners in healthcare and the academe. The program is open for traditional students and transfer students. The curriculum is focused on theory and research-based clinical practice and knowledge. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is a public university and one of the flagship research institutions under the State University System of Florida. The university offers its comprehensive programs across 16 academic colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes. One of the missions of the university is to provide its students with quality education and encourage them to conduct nationally recognized research studies. It has a BS in Nursing Science degree that prepares students to be competent professional nurses. The program has three tracks -- Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN track which is offered online. Every track includes coursework and clinical practice. Students are also eligible for graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Texas in Austin (Austin, TX) is a public research university and the flagship campus under the University of Texas System. The university offers a wide range of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science at UT is a four-year, full time program providing both theoretical and practical courses for students. The program includes courses that prepare students for graduate studies. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Admission to the program is highly competitive. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a private research university that houses a wide range of academic programs for students to choose from. The university has programs taught in conjunction with University Circle institutions which includes several medical and art centers. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers bachelor’s and master's degrees in nursing. The school is recognized around the world for its top-notch nursing education and active research programs. Its BS in Nursing Science provides a strong theoretical and practical nursing foundation for students. It also has clinical placements to prepare students for the real-world experience. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX examination for RN. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of California-Davis (Davis, CA) houses nationally ranked academic programs across a wide variety of disciplines. UC-Davis has four undergraduate colleges and a graduate school. The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing provides a wide range of nursing programs. The school aims to prepare students with relevant knowledge about the rapidly evolving health-care environment and hone them as a new breed of healthcare providers, leaders, and educators. The School offers a degree in Nursing Science. This program is considered as an accelerated program and a quick way to be eligible for the national licensing examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. Graduates are also allowed to take the Public Health Nurse certification after earning a Master of Science in Nursing Degree.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) offers a wide range of academic disciplines that aim to help students for their growth and development. It grants undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees. One popular undergraduate degree in UM is Nursing. The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers three tracks for the BSN program. The traditional BSN track is offered to both freshmen and transfer students. The school has several public and private medical affiliations allowing students to have first hand experience on the field. Students will also be learning theoretical coursework and be exposed to research. Students can also have the opportunity to study abroad. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) is a highly recognized public university and considered one of the best higher learning institutions in the United States. The university has a wide range of academic programs from undergraduate majors to graduate studies’ specializations. UConn also has an active research environment. The School of Nursing is committed in providing students with quality education and community with public service. It was the first public institution in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. BSN is a four-year program that is designed to train students and prepare them for the nursing profession. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

SUNY at Binghamton (Vestal, NY) also known as Binghamton University is a public university under the SUNY system providing a wide range of academic disciplines for students and professionals. The university houses the Decker School of Nursing that has programs that provide students quality nursing education, scholarship and top notch clinical practice. The school grants all academic degrees from baccalaureate to doctoral. The undergraduate nursing program has a variety of tracks for all types of students. The school provides courses and practical experience that prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Seattle, WA) is a premier public research university. It is also the largest college in the northwestern region of the country. UW is also one of the institutions to receive the biggest amounts of federal funding for university-based research. The Nursing Science degree at UW is a professional program designed to be taken within two-years. This is a program for professional nurses who aim to be registered nurses. Students are trained by industry professionals in a supervised clinical setting to enhance their skills. Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington Medical Center are just some of the partner sites for students training on hands-on patient care.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Clemson University (Clemson, SC) is a public university that was first established as a scientific agricultural and mechanical arts institution. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs across a large variety of academic disciplines. Clemson offers a B.S. Nursing Science program and accelerated programs for RNs. The program has a comprehensive curriculum which includes coursework and clinical training. Clemson nurses are smart, independent critical thinkers, hardworking and honest in their profession. 

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

University of San Diego (San Diego, CA) is a private university that offers a long list of academic programs across a variety of academic disciplines. The university has been ranked among the best in the country for the quality of education and services it provides the community. It also has an active research program. It has a variety of nursing programs. These programs have a comprehensive curriculum. Nursing courses are taught using state-of-the-art technology and innovative teaching. 

Acceptance Rate

48.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) is a public university known for its academic programs related to medical and health professions. The university was named as one of the “top 100 best national universities” in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. It is popular for its cutting edge facilities, research activities, and quality education. The university has several tracks under the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science program. The basic baccalaureate is a four-year program. The curriculum requires general education coursework and nursing majors including patient-centered nursing practice. Accelerated and RN baccalaureate programs are also offered in the university. 

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (St Paul, MN) is a recognized public university with an active research program. UMN is considered as a Public Ivy. The university’s School of Nursing is one of the first and oldest continuously operated university-based schools that offers nursing programs. Collaborative practice, systems theory and design thinking practices are fostered in the school. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science can pursue direct admissions or choose to enroll for transfer programs. The program is designed to prepare students to be frontrunners in the industry. The university offers the program across two University of Minnesota campuses - Rochester and Twin Cities. Students are encouraged to pursue graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburg, PA) is a public university that offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines. Pitt has been recognized as one of the best universities in the country for its academic and research programs. The university provides comprehensive nursing programs from undergraduate to doctoral as well as professional degrees. The Nursing Science BS degree focuses on preparing nursing professionals to take on roles related to nursing science. The program provides other courses under the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences with the purpose of producing graduates that are liberally educated. Students are given theoretical and practice coursework including practice tests in preparation for the NCLEX. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Associate Degree in Nursing Degree (ADN)

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is also known in the industry as an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree. In either case, the associate degree track is one of the quickest entry-points into the nursing profession.

An ADN program is a two-year program which includes general education courses, core nursing classes, clinical rotations, and often an internship requirement. Associate Degree in Nursing degrees are ubiquitous in community colleges, trade schools, technical colleges, career colleges, nursing schools, hospitals, and 4-year colleges.

The majority of students who earn an Associate Degree in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university will go on to earn a BSN. This route offers students the opportunity to apply for admissions to accelerated programs in order to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in two-years time.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN or BScN) is also known as a Bachelor of Science (BS) with an Emphasis in Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing (BN). The BSN is a program with a strong academic foundation and geared to help students establish a vibrant career in nursing.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will often take students 4 years to complete with the first half of the program focused on general education courses. The second half of the four-year BSN program will provide students with an array nursing theories, practices, methodologies, and principles to help them successfully take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. The NCLEX is a standardized test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) which is a prerequisite to earn a nursing license in the United States.

There a number of different types of bachelor degree tracks within nursing. The most popular of which are:

  1. Accelerated BSN The Accelerated BSN is a program that fast-tracks students through nursing programs in 1-2 years by providing credit for general education and liberal arts classes taken prior.
  2. RN to BSN The RN to BSN is a bridge program designed for Registered Nurses with a diploma or associates degree in nursing. Specialty programs like the RN to BSN offers the ability for working professionals to earn an advanced degree while working with flexible class schedules and online degree options.
  3. LPN to BSN or LVN to BSN A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a bachelors degree program allows practitioners to earn a BSN faster than the traditional bachelors degree track. This bridge program provides working professionals the ability to upskill and take advantage of career opportunities while working in the field.
  4. BSN The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year online degree or classroom-based program. As the gold-standard for most healthcare organizations, the BSN is a prerequisite for students wanting to earn a graduate degree in nursing to perform academic and clinical research or to teach. The BSN is also requisite for various APN degree programs such as a Certified Nurse Practitioners (CNP), A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
  5. Second Degree BSN A Second Degree BSN was designed by higher education professionals to help support an accelerated career transition for professionals coming from outside the nursing profession. By allowing credit for previous general education courses, students can move through this degree program in one to two years.

Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is designed to help students and working professional move to the next level in nursing. Where associate degree programs in nursing and bachelor degrees in nursing are excellent to help gain entrance into the nursing field, a Master of Science in Nursing helps propel careers to the next level. Additional careers opportunities are likely to follow after the additional clinical training, skills, knowledge, and research from an MSN degree.

MSN programs will take students 1-2 years to complete which may be extended by enrolling in a joint degree program. A joint degree program provides another layer of specialty when the MSN program is coupled with an MBA, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or similar degree tracks.

Master of Science in Nursing degrees typically come in 4 different groupings that include:

  1. Direct Entry MSN
  2. RN to MSN
  3. Post-Certificate Masters
  4. Post Masters Certificate

A nurse who has earned a Master of Science in Nursing are considered Advance Practice Nurses, known in the industry at APNs. The APNs of today are able to provide the level of care and healthcare treatments that were reserved for medical doctors of yesteryear. Services and treatments provided by APNs and APRNs will most often fall into one of the following four nursing clusters:

  1. Certified Nurse Practitioners Certified Nurse Practitioners or CNP are APRN's that perform research, work closely with patients, and assist attending physicians in a variety of ways. Areas of specialty for a Certified Nurse Practitioner may include: cardiology, pediatrics, family care, womens health, oncology, surgical services, and pain management. A CNP can work in a small clinic, home care, hospital, physicians office, or other similar types of medical settings.
  2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and Nurse Anesthetist is an advance practice nurse that provides anesthesia to patients in a number of health care settings. Work settings for a Nurse Anesthetist can include various public & private clinics, home care, hospitals, nursing care facilities, military installations, schools, and physicians offices. As a certified medical professional, a Nurse Anesthetist can provide a wide variety of anesthesia care from surgical applications to the infirm to healthy individuals.
  3. Clinical Nurse Specialists A Clinical Nurse Specialist or CNS is a medical professional that can provide primary patient care or specialized care. Specialized care for a Clinical Nurse Specialist can include medical setting (emergency room, clinic), care type (psychiatric, pediatric), disease type (diabetes, oncology), health concentration (stress, pain), and demographic (elderly, children).
  4. Certified Nurse Midwife A Certified Nurse Midwife is a licensed nurse that melds traditional services of a midwife with a gynecologist. CNM's help women with a variety of services that can include family planning, routine examinations, child birth, infant care, and postpartum care. A CNM is a healthcare provider that is very active in managing a woman's wellbeing and overall health. , a Certified Nurse Midwife is very active in the management of a womans health and wellbeing. In fact, Certified Nurse Midwife's will be provided the autonomy to make healthcare and critical care decisions in conjunction with the patient.

Doctor of Nursing Science Degree (DNS) & Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Degree

The Doctor of Nursing Science degree program is a doctorate degree akin to a PhD in nursing that is rooted in theory and research. The DNS program is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the National Science Foundation as equal to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. Colleges and universities have continued to make the shift from the DNS program to the now popular Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree program.

The Doctor of Nursing Science is commonly associated with the acronym DNS along with lesser known nomenclature for this degree such as DSN, DNSc, DScN. Acronyms notwithstanding, the Doctor of Nursing Science degree program is a terminal degree program in nursing which means no advanced degrees follow the DNS degree.

Educational Requirements in Nursing Science

In terms of educational requirements, Nursing Science degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Skills Required for Nursing Science Majors

  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speech Recognition
  • Written Comprehension
Online Colleges Offering Degrees in Nursing Science

Employment & Nursing Science Careers

Students earning a degree in nursing science can expect a wide range of career options to pursue. Career tracks for nurse science majors can include: Nurse Administrator, Department Director, Nurse Executive, Nurse Manager, Quality Improvement Manager, Director of Nursing, Ambulatory Care Manager, Hospital Director, Registered Nurse, post-secondary teacher, Licensed Practical Nurse, physician assistant, or research manager to name a few.

Nursing science graduates can work in a number of private healthcare facilities or public healthcare hospitals. In fact, it is not uncommon for nurse science majors to work in acute care facilities, ambulatory care clinics, pharmaceutical companies, private clinics, or physicians offices. By blending the best of technology, healthcare, and business graduates can step into a number of fulfilling careers.

Nursing Career Outlook

The job growth in the greater Nursing Science domain are well above average. In fact, the job growth in nursing science is forecast to jump 17% through 2024 compared to a national average of 6% for all occupations. The broad nature of the nursing science degree can lead individuals to very different vocations. Thus, the income you can expect after graduation will depend on your career track, work experience, geographic location, and organization type.

For more information about earning a Nursing Science degree, simply visit the accredited colleges and universities search tool below. Alternatively, you can research nursing careers by reading our popular Nursing Career Guidebook or our primary nursing degree page to learn more.

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